Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Tent of Meeting and the Ultimate Encounter

Lets imagine that you are walking along the North Carolina beach near Kitty Hawk where the dunes are large and high, minding your own business and enjoying the cool breezes off the ocean and gazing at the stars on a crystal clear night. You are walking at the base of a very high sand dune and look up to the stars. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice a flicker of light that should not be there. Curious, you approach the flicker and realize that it is a small clump of scrub brush that, for no apparent reason is burning. You know the story of the first encounter Moses had with God, the ultimate encounter. Moses, a most unlikely choice, became a leader and following all of God's instructions, delivered the Chosen to the Promised Land.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Exodus is Moses' communication with God using the Tent of Meeting. The Sinaitic Tent of Meeting was a sacred place used exclusively by Moses to meet face-to-face with God to receive His instructions and Laws. It was portable and kept with Moses as he wandered in the desert before reaching the Promised Land. Only Moses could enter the Tent. (EX 33:7-11; 34:34-35). The entrance of the tent was guarded by Joshua, a servant of Moses. It was through this medium that Moses received the remainder of the Pentateuch. As time passed, the Tent became a permanent structure and was used by anyone who wanted to seek God. Today, our churches are our tents and are the place we all go to worship and seek God's will for our life. It is our Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting, our path to understanding our salvation and God's instructions and laws.

How do you think that you would have reacted to the burning bush on top of the dune. I probably would have reacted just like Moses. You will know when God communicates with you but the last thing He is trying to do is to scare you. Each of you has something that God has chosen for you. It is a time of joy when you understand what He wants you to do and you begin to do it. It is, however, the natural reaction to say "Who? Me??". Yes, IT IS YOU THAT HE WANTS.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Putting Your Life Together

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matt 10:29-31) NKJV.

As I turned the corner of the skate room at work, I gazed up at a pile of old torn apart skates. I had been assigned to repair every skate that was stacked on two shopping carts that stretched to the ceiling. Some had broken axles, some with torn shoe laces. And yet others that just needed a complete and total make over.

Not knowing were to start, I grabbed the one on top. As I sat it down on the counter, I could have cried when I saw all that had to be done just to get this poor little skate back in working order. I started to wonder if it was even worth all the trouble. This skate was trashed. But, I started with the toe stopper and put a new sole and shoe lace on, and it started to look better. Then new wheels and bearings, then a half hour later....the once ragged skate looked shiny and new. I took it for a test spin around the floor, and you could see the proud look on my face from the other end of the rink as I skated back to the front with my new found friend.

Some of you may feel like your in that shopping cart today. Maybe you feel that you have been out of working order with the Lord for to long and there is no way to get back to Him. But, then our Father picks us up and sets us on the counter. He starts to cry as He looks at His pride and joy in pieces. But instead of throwing us away. He starts to work on us. Taking one thing at a time till we get back on the floor again.

Friends, don't ever think that you've gone to far, or that you've become so messed up that even the Lord can't put you back together. If we will just come to Him and ask for help, and forgiveness then He can mold us in His image. By walking beside Him daily, you can start to see Jesus in you, and so will others. If you haven't excepted Jesus, then do it today. Ask Him to come into your heart, and to forgive you for your sins. Maybe today you think that you have back slid to far, you want the peace and the love that only Jesus can give. Well, rededicate your life. Just ask the Lord to forgive you and to make you strong and put your life back together. There isn't a thing that the Lord will not fix if you just let Him. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  A Special Guest

Genesis 18:3-5 "If I have found favor in your eyes, my Lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under the trees. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed."

Have you ever had a special guest at your home. If you have then you know what I am talking about when I say you "get ready" for their arrival. Whether it be a relative or minister, teacher or old family friend. There are preparations for it. Your mom will make you clean up your room and help with chores. Special food is prepared. Mom gets out the good China. Guest towels are put in the bathroom, that you aren't allowed to use. Your parents want everything to be just right.

For past few days our family been preparing our home and our lives for my oldest son, Jerry to arrive on Wednesday night (last night). Everyone cleaned up their rooms and got chores out of the way. I made several dinners and froze them so I didn't have to be cooking while he is here. Jon made sure he got tickets to his football game on Friday for all of us. Jay made plans for them to meet some friends and go out one night. Our family is also planning on going out to dinner on Saturday night. Jerry will only be here for 5 days and he lives over 1,000 miles away. We only see him 3-4 times a year. And with only 5 days we want to make the best of all the time we have. These next few days will be exciting and fun.

Seems like when your time is precious you really put on your best face and enjoy every moment you have together. We really should live like this everyday of our lives. For our time here on earth is short and no one know what day will be our last. Do something special today for someone, treat them like the royal guest. Show them how much their time means to you. In Bible times when guests came to your home, you would wash their feet, this was an expression of hospitality and love. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, the story is told in John 13:1-17.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Eye of the Storm

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. "(Proverbs 3:5-6) NKJV.

As Hurricane Georges edges closer to my home, I start to wonder what sort of precautions I should take. Should I board up my windows, bring in anything that could fly around the yard, and run to the store and buy supplies, or should I just let what ever happens, happen. Should I rely on taking a chance that things will be all right or should I go with the sure thing?

In our spiritual life we often go through storms. Some our stronger than others, and some feel like a category five hurricane. But one thing is for sure. If we are prepared, then we lessen the damage, and the higher the chance we can make it through even the toughest of storms. When we become a Christian, we batten down the hatches with Jesus. He's the wood protecting our window's from breaking into pieces. But the thing is that in the Bible it calls us to be more than Luke warm Christians. It calls us to be a Christian 24/7.

Often when rough times hit, we are on our knees crying out to the Lord for help. We board up and let Jesus protect us. But then things calm down and you breathe the sigh of relief when the eye of the storm hovers above. During these times, we sometimes feel we don't have to pray, or we don't really need Jesus. So we take down our walls of protection and go about living life to the fullest. But then the tail of the storm slams out the eye and your life along with it.

Friends, we need to be close to God in all times, not just when the rains seem to beat down on us the hardest. We need to build our lives on a strong foundation and then keep it strong. When the winds pick up we will always have Jesus there to keep us together. Look over your life today. If you were to get hit by some sort of trial could you handle it knowing that the Lord will be there to protect you? Pray tonight to become closer to Him. When He's for you then not even a hurricane can be against you. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Halloween


Psalm 27:1 says, The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?
John 8:32 says, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Do not fear anything, know the truth and be free. Celebrate the Lord and His ways only. He is your safety from evil.

The Spirit of fear is not of God. It is a debilitating force that can cause one to loose the proper perspective of life.

September 23 is the official first day of Autumn or Fall. This time of year is celebrated as the time of harvest. Thus having Thanksgiving. Many fall festivals are being held all over our country. One of the most celebrated times in Fall is Halloween. Something that really seems so innocent can really be "a sheep in wolves clothing." Halloween is the day before November 1 which is All Saints Day or All Hallows Day (hallow referring to saints). This day was a celebration to honor all Saints. These spirits were dead, but it was thought that this night they would come back to life. If you left a gift of fruit, flowers, bread or candy outside of you house then only good spirits would come to your home. If you didn't appease the spirits they would haunt you. It was believed that all the dead spirits would rise and wonder throughout the towns so you wanted to make sure you would be in their favor but putting out these treats. Some would light candles and torches at their homes. The evil or frustrated ghosts were supposed to play havoc on those who didn't show them favor. Any form of manifestations such as black cats, ghosts, witches, goblins, fairies and demons of all kinds were said to be roaming about. In olden times it was thought to be a time of joining with the spirits as dressing up in customs, like the spirits, nature creatures, or demons. Having a party and running around with them and taking the treats that were left out was thought to be a "if you can't beat them join them." This became lots of fun for some but for others became a time of evil behavior that would get out of control.

Our modern day "trick or treat", where we dress up and go door to door, may seem like the most innocent of things. Some will go a little too far in the trick area, while others really get into the evil and fear aspect. Some parent refuse to celebrate Halloween in their homes or let their children dress up. Some think it is innocent fun and play. Some churches have haunted houses in them and others celebrate Fall festivals. I believe the choice is up to you on how you view this.
Even as innocent as it seems at one level, at another level its innocence is lost altogether. Because of the modern revival of witchcraft, occults, and Satanism we need to be very careful. Many devoted to Christ think of this day as paying respect or drawing attention to evil and Satan is wrong and we must NOT do that. Evil, Satan, witches and black magic is really practiced in this world and they would love nothing better than to see others join in, even in the smallest of ways. Lets not give anything to Satan or evil. Celebrate Fall and the beauty of the earth and the bounty the Lord has given to each of us.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Spiritual Rollercoaster

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. ( 1 Peter 4:12-13) NIV

As Christians we all suffer at times, we all go through the hardships and the trials that seem to stalk us around every turn. It's really hard at the roughest moments of our lives to think of the verse above. I'm usually not the one to run down the hallways at school screaming, "Amen, I'm rejoicing in the fact that I'm suffering," when times seem the hardest. I'm usually the one that holds their head down in shame, trying to reason to myself why this is happening to me.

When I was young, I was deathly afraid of roller coasters. Just the thought of anyone getting a thrill out of being thrown around, turned upside down, and twisted in every different direction until you wanted to show every body what you had for lunch, just never appealed to much till I got older. When I started thinking of them not as something trying to get me sick, but thinking as each ride a challenge, it was time to get in line.

When we go through trials, Jesus is always the Big Brother that will ride with us. When we are young in our spiritual lives, He guides us to the easier rides. Even though they seem huge at the time, He straps us in and holds are hand while we go through the trying turns and loops. He's also there to give us the pat on the back once we accomplished the task. But like every good friend it doesn't stop here. It's time for the next ride.

Brothers and sisters, we go through constant roller coasters everyday in this theme park called Life. There will be times when you just want to jump off. Times when you think that you can't go upside down one more time with out throwing up. But always rejoice in the fact that Jesus will be there right beside us. He strapped us in good and will not let us go on any ride that we can't handle or that could be to dangerous. Take pride in knowing that once you make it through the ride, even though it's tough now, you can look back and see what you've accomplished together. They always tell me it's not as bad after the 2 or 3rd time around. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  God Speaks

How In the World Does He Do That

In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2) God speaks to us in many many ways. In the Old Testament, God spoke to His chosen people through Angels (Gen 16), Visions (Genesis 15), Dreams (Gen 28:10-19) and Miraculous Signs (Exodus 8:20-25). Usually when we read about all of the really unique ways that God communicated, we either found it hard to understand or had a hard time accepting the truth of the event. What we tend to miss is not how God spoke to us, rather the simple awesome fact that He spoke to US!!!! The fact that God spoke to us is much more important that the method he used. When God speaks, it is usually unique to an individual. This is an excellent example that proves that God does want a personal relationship with us. It is also interesting to note that when God spoke, the individual was sure who it was. When this happens to you, as young Christians, I guarantee that you will know it. Each of you have all of the tools you need to communicate with God and He certainly has the tools to communicate back. You will not only know that it was God, you will know exactly what he said and what he meant and you will realize that you have had an encounter with God. I pray that you will all have that encounter and when you do, you realize that you are personally chosen by God to do His work for Him.

When you pray to God "Lord, I really want to know your will for my life," prepare yourself because He will do it and reveal to you exactly what he wants you to do. Your first reaction will be "who? Me?", but do not be afraid or worried because God will give you all of the tools you need to accomplish what he wants you to do. Moses found that out and fought Him all the way, finally giving in to His will. You will find peace and fulfillment beyond your wildest expectations. God will use the same methods he used in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. He really got the attention of a lot of diverse people and I guarantee He will really get your attention. You will know Him and Love Him above all else.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Blood of WhiteOut

The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ( 1 John 1:7 ) NKJV.

"How can I ever become a Christian after all that I have done. I mean, I have gone way to far this time. There is no way I can get into heaven now." Have you ever asked yourself these questions, maybe heard them from a friend? Not one of us can avoid sin as it constantly hunts us down; but let us rest assured that we have one awesome Jesus who can forgive and cleanse our lives of everything we have done. So when we get to heaven we will stand in front of our Father with a clean slate.

Every day as we wake up to a new dawn, another piece of paper is added to our book of life. You carefully write down every little detail with each and every move you make. Nothing is left out, not the day you kindly gave a friend a dollar in need, nor the time you carefully stole the dessert off of your friends lunch tray. Each day your page comes to an end as you fall asleep, and the pages are turned as they wait for the first rays of the morning sun to add another. We all have some points in our lives that we know that God was looking down on us and smiling; but more than that we feel that we let Him down, as another sin is added to the text.

When the last second of our lives tick, we will enter judgment, the time when our term paper called life will be turned in. As you walk up to the desk and hand your work over to our Great Teacher, there is no doubt in your mind that you have failed. For even one sin, is to many to get us into Heaven. As we hold our heads down in shame awaiting the call for Hell, Jesus walks up. He kindly whispers to His Father, "Dad, hold on a second. I'm sorry to interrupt you but, you see, I promised him that I would edit his paper before it was turned in." Then our loving Lord hands Jesus your rough draft, and with His precious blood, turns our mess of scribble full of sin into an errorless master piece.

Brothers and Sisters, rejoice for we have the best friend in the universe that will make sure we pass the test of life if we will only ask Him to edit it. There is no doubt that each one of us deserves Hell. We all deserve to die for the horrible lives we live on earth; but then Jesus walks up and hands the final draft to our Teacher. He pulls His red pen out and starts to grade. You sit there waiting the inevitable fate, then He looks up and smiles, marks down and A, and answers, "Well done good and faithful one, welcome home." May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Jealousy


Have you ever been jealous. Yes, of course you have. Jealousy is one of the ugliest of emotions. It can make a total rational person go crazy. Sometime the jealousy is intentionally provoked. Like when someone plans and goes out of their way to make you feel jealous. Most of the times the situation has little basis for it. Like when you feel jealous because you think someone is better or nicer looking, but they really aren't. These are things that we perceive to be so. Where there is frequent and strong manifestation of the emotion, the real cause is usually inside of us. It comes from our own inadequacy and insecurity. They call jealousy the "green eyed monster." It can take a pleasant person and turn them upside down.

Jealousy is there with siblings in every home. One might like what the other has better than his own. One could get jealous over spending more time watching TV or staying up late. There are all kinds of simple normal jealousies.
As parents we try to make the child feel a good self-worth and security so their fears are put to rest stopping the jealousy.

When jealousy takes over a person and makes them want to slander or injure the person who they are jealous of then this take on a more deeper meaning. Love in Christ for our brothers and sisters shouldn't bring on such rages of jealousy. I have to admit I remember when some other girl would hang around the guy I liked, I would get upset or mad. I would talk bad about her to my friends and hope no one would like her, especially they guy I liked. I can remember feeling just terrible about myself. This emotion can really get us into a bad situation. When all is said and done, we could have really hurt someone. Talking bad of someone and causing them to have a bad reputation is hard to get over. Most of the feelings are inside of us and we really have no basis to feel this way. We should take these insecurities and bad feelings to the Lord in prayer and let him put a stop to them. Stop these feeling before they get out of hand, do not let others make you jealous, when they do it on purpose. They are probably jealous of you and that is why they are doing this. And when you feel jealousy for little reasons, don't allow it to enter your mind, tell yourself you will not allow yourself to think this way and take it to God in prayer. Nothing can hurt you but what you allow yourself to perceive. To let these small twinges of jealousy manifest will make us sick, like a cancer. Looking in my Bible for verses on jealousy, I found a list about jealousy.


Jealousy can:
<>< tear believers apart
<>< make you feel even worse
<>< cause a strong dividing force
<>< cause blind anger and rage
<>< cause us to loose self control
<>< can lead to other sins
<>< leads to criticism
<>< not let us see the danger, don't underestimate it
<>< causes war

God does not want you to be jealous, you are beautiful and wonderfully made just the way you are. You are special, you are YOU!!!!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Coldest of Times


Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) NKJV.

There is nothing better than after a cold day at school to come home and relax in the warmth of a hot tub. Living in Florida the only temperature is usually hot and hotter, but I had the chance to visit some relatives in Canada a couple of winters ago when there was snow on the ground. (By the way that's a Kodak moment when a Florida boy sees snow.)

It was late at night when a few of my cousins decided it would be great to go out side to their hot tub under the patio. Needless to say, I was all for it until I found out that their patio was outside and not closed in. I thought they were nuts. "You guys are going to go out side in the freezing cold to get into a hot tub?" Now to me this didn't make sense, but before I could say anything else they, were running outside with their swimming trunks on in 10 degree whether, making a mad dash for the Jacuzzi. Not wanting to be left out I tried to figure up a plan. Maybe if get a couple of pairs of long johns on and a ski jacket, along with some ear muffs and a pair of snow shoes, I could make it down the stairs before I became frozen solid.

Friends, we live in a world that is completely covered with snow. When we are away from God or haven't accepted Him as your savior your practically standing out side in your swimming trunks freezing. But Jesus is our Hot tub in the mist of the ice age that surround us. We can go to Him and find warmth in the coldest of conditions. Most of us have found Christ as our Savior. But some of you are sitting on the out side of the hot tub just dangling your feet inside while the rest of your body is cold. Jesus calls us to be full time Christians that means going under.

It's natural to stray at times, we all have done it. When you get out of the tub your body is still heated and you think your OK. But all it takes is a couple of minutes before the cold thrusts the heat out. Let's take the time out of our day to relax and enjoy Jesus, and talk to Him in prayer. You'll then realize how nice it can be to have the warmth of His love streaming through your body when everything else is so cold. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Trusting the Lord

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.
      Romans 8:28

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask, whatever you will, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7

      All Christians feel "lost" one time or another in their lives. Sometimes we're so busy wrapped up in worldly things, that we forget about God. During the toughest times in your life, remember to trust in the Lord. Don't go and do what you think is right, let the Holy Spirit talk to you, and guide your life on the right path.

"The Holy Spirit will give you the right words even as you are standing there."


Luke 12:12.

God wants to be your best friend, so let him.
               "If God is in YOUR Copilot seat...switch seats!."
      When you cry, he wants to cry with you. When you laugh, he wants to laugh with you.
     Maybe, you're in a jam or ...a "bend in the road," when you're life just seems to fall apart, just remember a simple thing....God is there. Just trust him.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

[Soldier4Christ]

  Family Ties


* Showing Honor and Respect in the Family Relationships *
  *       Blesses Family Members And Honors God       *

Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you

Ephesians 6:1-4
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

It is not very difficult to understand why we have such a hard time practicing the lessons taught in our Bible verses. We all face a very different lifestyle than our forefathers. We see all of the evil things that Satan can throw at us and all of our family members. He works against family unity at every stage in our lives. Please take a look around , you will find that you are being taught in many places that your parents are not worthy of your respect and love. Honor and obedience in many families is non-existent. We must all remember that honor and respect applies equally to the children and the parents. Parents must remember that if you treat your children with the love and respect that they deserve, they will, in turn, respect and love you. The one thing that God wants from us is love and obedience, love of and from our family members and obedience/respect of and to our family members.

I feel very fortunate that I am not a teen-ager in today's world. I know the pressures a teenager must endure just to survive. That is not the world God created and it certainly is not the environment that God wants for us. God places such high priority on our relationships. If we understand this, we can begin to rebuild the family unit. This really is not as difficult as it may seem. Pray together, worship together, develop respect together, love together, live together in harmony. Parents, remember that your children are more important in your life than anyone else (except God, of course). Teach them, respect them and honor them for who they are. Children, honor and respect your parents. Love, honor and respect are very contagious and to live your life in this manner, you are living in God's grace and His will.

[Soldier4Christ]

  When The Storm Rages On


* Read Mark Chapters 3-4 *

Peter wipes a drop of sweat off his face as he dips the oar into the still waters of the sea. The boat gently descends into the sunset as another day comes closer to an end. He listens to Matthew and Philip talk about the morning. A smile breaks Peter's face, as Andrew recalls that Jesus, who is fast asleep at the stern, healed the man with the withered hand.

"And the look on the Pharisees' faces was just priceless," Phillip chuckles.

"What a day," Peter thinks to himself, feeling the blister on his heel from the trek to the sea. The multitudes of all different types and from many cities came just to hear the voice of the one we call "Son Of God."

"What a blessing, He has been to us all," Mathew states, "To think that Jesus would ever want something to do with a low down tax collector."

"Like two poor fishermen are any better," Andrew adds, looking over to his brother Peter.

A gentle breeze sweeps over the boat as Peter stokes the waters with oar. A gray cloud emerges out from the top of the mountains. James turns around.

"Looks like a little sprinkle is heading our way, better grab an oar and let's get to the other side before it hits."

As the wind starts to pick up, the beautiful sunset takes cover from the growing darkness of clouds from the horizon. A wave splashes over the side unto Peter's tunic. "Come on guys, let's pick up the pace," Matthew yells. The boat tilts to one side as it gets tossed to and fro with each passing wave. "Everyone stay centered in the boat, try and keep it still," James says.

"We're taking on water," Andrew frantically screams. The rains start to beat down on their faces as the waters become rough. White caps of the waves flood into the boat as a clap of thunder sounds overhead.

"Quick, let's get this water out of here, we're going under." Peter looks around not knowing where the voices are coming from, just doing his best to keep the boat moving. Fear grips every nerve in his body as fate may have found its day for his life.

"Help!" Peter turns around, his brother was hit by a wave and was hanging on to the side of the boat. "Andrew," Mathew yells as another wave throws him back in from the other side. Climbing back onto the boat, Andrew dives over to Jesus. He grabs his shirt and shakes him. "Teacher, don't you care that we are going to DIE!?!?"

Already awake and aware of the situation Jesus rises, and rebukes the wind and the clouds and says to the sea, "peace, be still." He looks around at the disciples, each soaked, scared and in disbelief. Not knowing whether to be thankful or angry, they stand there dazed by the events. The silence was broken, "Why are you so fearful, how is it that you have no faith," Jesus asks.

A silence fell over them. "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him," they thought.

Has there ever been a point when a storm came out of nowhere to flood your life? A time when there seemed to be no hope in sight? Jesus could have sat there and lectured the disciples, or shared with them of how little faith they had, but that would have solved nothing. With the heart that we all want to have, Jesus asked a simple, humbled, question. "Why are you so fearful?"

Friends, we are going to go through trials. Times when you want to be on the floor yelling at Jesus asking Him, "Do You Care About Me?" Just remember that He does know what is going on at all times and will never let you take on more water than you can handle. Rejoice that we serve an awesome God. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Seeking Faith

"Like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land." Proverbs 25:25

This is an awesome verse that God gave to me and some friends when I was down in South America for two weeks. See the people down there were so humble and so open to you. The lives that they lived were horrible compared to us. The little children who were so sad, but when they saw the "americans" their little faces turned into great huge smiles. They came running up to you and wanted a hug, or they wanted to talk to you. It was so amazing. See and we were telling them about Jesus which was so cool too because they really started to understand that you have to have a relationship with Jesus and ask him into your heart. They were reading these books that we passed out called the books of life.

Anyways see they were so open to hear the word and it was something that gave them hope. When they saw us they were so happy. See though not everyone has been on a missions trip it is good to do so. But is doing something in your own land too. See there are still so many people here in the USA who need to hear the good news and need to know that there is someone that can help with their problems.

What I am telling you all in this devotional that even the slightest jesture a kind smile and a little hope can go a long way. So when you see someone sad and down in the dumps, just go over and say,"Hi." It will go along way and who knows you might get a chance to minister to that person or even witness.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Beauty Within

" Your beauty should not come from outward adornmnent, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4) NIV.

I know all the girls out there, especially me being one myself, spend hours upon hours doing our make-up and our hair in the morning. Also, we must have our nails and jewelry perfect and matching. But I found out that God and many other people could care less if my earrings matched my shoes.

The homecoming dance is in a week and of course there is mad dash to buy last minute accessories to accent the gown. My friends and I have already purchased our dresses and everything but one thing. In a few days we are going to get our nails done. Now let me tell you something, that is a girls number one, last minute, top priority, other than finding a date.

My best friend, that is a guy, brought this to my attention. I told him about my nail appointment and he proceeded to ask me, "who in the world is going to notice and care if you have your nails done or not?" As I thought about it, the only answer I could come up with was, "Me."

Many times all of us, guys or girls, sit in the mirror and we do our hair, make sure our clothes match and we have all of our jewelry on....But we also need to realize we don't have to stress if our hair scrunchy matches our socks because God looks straight through all of that. Sometimes all we can think of is "What are people going to think of my new shoes." But as Christians we must look through all of that and find everyone's inner beauty and we need to remember to do that for ourselves and find our own inner beauty just like He does!